Latest news with #R6.5m
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Limpopo Speaker denies R6m luxury car claims
POLOKWANE – Limpopo Legislature Speaker Dr Makoma Makurupetje has denied allegations of extravagant spending after media reports claimed that over R6m in public money was used to procure two luxury vehicles – one apparently for her personal use. In response to the claims, Makurupetje has called for a full investigation into the legislature's vehicle procurement practices. She rejected reports suggesting she bypassed National Treasury guidelines, which cap the cost of official vehicles at R1.2m. 'I was really shocked to hear that a vehicle was bought for me, and I deny the R6.5m expenditure,' she said. Makurupetje clarified that upon assuming office in June, the official vehicle used by her predecessor had already exceeded its mileage limit, and the deputy speaker's vehicle had been involved in an accident. As a result, a procurement process for new vehicles was already underway before she and her deputy took office. She disclosed that the vehicle assigned to her cost R1.4m, while a Mercedes-Benz purchased for the deputy speaker cost R1.5m. Although both figures exceed the Treasury cap, she explained that the purchases fall under the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act of 2009 and not the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which applies to other government entities. Makurupetje has ordered a detailed review to determine whether Treasury guidelines were breached. She also revealed that she recently learned of a third vehicle, which she has never seen. She is awaiting a full report from Legislature to clarify this issue. 'If it turns out that I was misled by the Secretary regarding the procurement of any vehicle, I will take decisive action,' she said. The Speaker also referred to ongoing forensic audits within the legislature, which were launched following the resignation of the chief financial officer and the suspension of another senior finance official. She suggested that the recent media reports may be linked to resistance to internal reforms underway in the legislature. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Special Tribunal stops pension to former Gauteng agriculture head Matilda Gasela
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an interim order preventing the processing of a R3.3m pension payout to Matilda Matozi Gasela, former Gauteng agriculture, rural development and land reform department head. The order, granted by the Special Tribunal on May 15, also restrained Gasela from accessing or claiming these funds pending finalisation of legal proceedings against her. Gasela assumed office as head of department in December 2018 and is alleged to have played a pivotal role in the mismanagement of a contract involving Enviro Mobi (later known as Groen Mintirho). 'Despite the company's failure to deliver the required vehicles, she authorised further payments and approved a settlement of R6.5m for purported 'storage costs' — an expense not stipulated in the original contract. 'Senior counsel had explicitly advised against this payment, which was later declared to be fruitless and wasteful expenditure,' the SIU said on Friday. Her actions allegedly contravened the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and contributed to the depletion of public funds in what the SIU described as a fraudulent scheme.
TimesLIVE
24-04-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Government invests R6.5m to improve air access to SA to attract more tourists
Tourism minister Patricia De Lille has called on the tourism sector to broaden international perceptions of what the country has to offer. 'There is a perception tourism in South Africa is all about safaris, Table Mountain and the beaches. Yes, those are iconic attractions. But we have a whole lot more to showcase. Let's capitalise on sports tourism and our rich cultural heritage. We have a very proud history though a very dark past, but we emerged peacefully. Let's also focus on medical tourism,' said De Lille. She was speaking at the annual Africa Travel Indaba (ATI) launch at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Wednesday. The tourism show will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre between May 13-15. She said the country boasted vast medical expertise which attracts international audiences seeking medical help and operations because of affordable costs. This was a market that could be explored as part of local tourism offerings. 'This is why we are driving efforts to showcase more of our country. We have spent too much time in promoting the country only as a leisure tourism destination. No more now. In our global campaign we should show include other important sectors within the tourism value chain,' said De Lille. She said this could only be achieved through collaboration. De Lille said the government was working on getting more flights into the country. 'We are competing with the rest of the world and that is why we are trying to get more flights to a level which we had in 2019. We are almost there and we are sitting at 80%.' She said the government had invested more than R6.5m to bolster air access to the country. Last year there were 1,200 exhibitors which attracted more than 9,000 delegates, generating R226m in direct economic activity in Durban with another R333m across KwaZulu-Natal. 'Behind these numbers are real lives: more than 1,000 jobs created, opportunities unlocked for youth, students and entrepreneurs from all walks of life,' said De Lille. She said through department tourism funding 120 SMMEs were given an opportunity to showcase their offerings and access the global stage. The theme for this year's travel show is 'South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy'. 'This dynamic campaign invites travellers to rediscover their sense of wonder, embracing the joy that travel to South Africa can unlock,' said De Lille. KwaZulu-Natal tourism and film board chair Dr Sibusiso Ndebele said the ATI was one of three 'must see' events on the tourism calendar. He said the trade show attracts thousands of influential people positioning KwaZulu-Natal as an important leisure tourism destination. He said the benefits would cascade down to KwaZulu-Natal small and medium-sized businesses which have been given an opportunity to exhibit. 'This represents a wonderful opportunity for the interaction with quality international buyers and to sell their tourism products in the global market.' said Ndebele. De Lille said while there were challenges in the city, the work of the presidential task team established more than a year ago was making gains in countering the challenges. 'We just need co-operation through the private public partnership,' she stressed. Chairperson of governance and human capital at eThekwini metro councillor Nkosenhle Madlala said the city was focused on enhancing safety and security of infrastructure. He said the ATI takes place shortly after the anticipated Nedbank Cup soccer final between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on May 10.
